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ZEAL gets off to a strong start in 2025: significant increases in revenue, EBITDA and customer base

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ZEAL, the leading German provider of online lotteries, has made a strong start to the new year and recorded significant and sustained growth in its key figures in the first quarter. The Group’s revenue increased by 42% to € 51.1 million in the first three months of the year (2024: € 36.1 million).  At € 17.7 million, EBITDA was almost twice as high as in the previous year (2024: € 9.4 million).

“We started the new year with a lot of momentum and were able to achieve strong results in the first quarter,” says Andrea Behrendt, CFO of ZEAL. “We are particularly proud of the significant increase in our revenue and customer base despite the absence of peak jackpots. This shows that our strategic marketing expenditure and our measures to acquire new customers continue to pay off in the long term and that we are in an excellent operational position. I’m a firm believer in the growth opportunities in our core business in a still underpenetrated market.

Revenue in core business grows by 41%

ZEAL‘s significant revenue growth in the first quarter is primarily attributable to the strong performance of the lottery business. Despite a weak jackpot situation, billings from lotteries increased by 7% to € 246.7 million (2024: € 246.3 million). The average number of active customers rose by 13% to 1,507 thousand (2024: 1,333 thousand) thanks to continued successful marketing measures. ZEAL was also able to improve its gross margin by 4.1 percent to 17.1% (2024: 13.0%) thanks to the price increase in the previous year and a strong product mix. The parallel increase in billings and gross margin led to significant revenue growth in the lottery business of 41% to € 45.2 million (2024: € 32.0 million).

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Games business grows by 56%

The games business also performed very well in the first three months of the year. ZEAL was able to expand its games portfolio in the B2C segment to more than 400 titles, increasing revenue from games by 56% to € 3.4 million (2024: € 2.2 million).

Disproportionate increase in EBITDA and EBIT

ZEAL intensified its investment in continuous growth in the past quarter and set an absolute record for a quarter without maximum jackpots with 247 thousand new customers. The 47% increase in acquisition costs per registered new customer (cost per lead, CPL) to € 48.5 (2024: € 33.0) is attributable to various tests of measures to develop new target groups and channels.

Other operating expenses increased by 21% to € 25.4 million (2024: € 21.0 million). In addition to strategic marketing expenses, which rose by 16% to € 15.5 million (2024: € 13.4 million), this was primarily due to an increase in the direct and indirect costs of business operations. The further development of the product mix led to a 21% increase in direct operating costs to € 4.9 million (2024: € 4.0 million). The increase in indirect operating costs to € 4.9 million (2024: € 3.6 million) was in particular due to external consulting services as well as external staff and software costs.

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Despite the higher costs, ZEAL was able to increase EBITDA disproportionately by 89% to € 17.7 thousand (2024: € 9.4 thousand) thanks to efficiency improvements and strong sales growth. At € 15.6 thousand, EBIT more than doubled compared to the previous year (2024: € 7.5 thousand). Net profit for the period fell by 53% to € 9.8 million (2024: € 21.1 million) due to the first-time recognition of deferred tax assets in the previous year.

The post ZEAL gets off to a strong start in 2025: significant increases in revenue, EBITDA and customer base appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Online Casino Legalization in Illinois: Study Finds Two-Thirds of Voters in Favor

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A recent survey has confirmed that almost two out of three (63%) of Illinois residents support legalizing online casinos.

The survey, created by casino bonus and online casino review site BonusFinder.com, asked 1,000 Illinois residents their take regarding legalizing online casinos. The focus group covered voters across a variety of political backgrounds, age groups, and different geos.

Despite online casinos currently being illegal in Illinois, and the only way to access them is illegally, the survey found that one in four residents (26%) admitted to having played at an online casino.

According to a separate analysis, which delved into how much US States could be missing out on in online casino tax revenue, it revealed that Illinois could be missing out on up to $788m. Instead of going to the State, this potential tax money is being funneled to unregulated offshore gambling platforms.

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When questioned, hypothetically, how residents would prefer the tax revenue to be spent they prioritized: public education (61.4%), mental health and addiction services (54.8%) and improvements in infrastructure (44%).

Other services that were still important, but less of a priority, to those questioned in the survey were: affordable housing (38%), crime prevention (33.1%), community programs (26.2%) and environmental initiatives (22.7%).

“These findings show that Illinoisans are ready for online casinos, as long as it’s done responsibly,” commented Luciano Passavanti, Vice President at BonusFinder.com.

“The message from voters is clear – they want safe, transparent platforms and strict oversight.

“They also want to know that tax revenue from online casinos will directly benefit their communities; whether that’s through education, healthcare, or local infrastructure.

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“Illinois is already a major gaming market. Legalizing online casinos is the next logical step.”

While the majority of voters were in favor (63%), 19% were against legalization and 17.5% remained unsure.

The largest age group supporters of legalizing online casinos was the 45-54 age group, with 68.8% being in favor. However, the age group whose least in favor of legalization remained to be those aged 65 and over – with 51.2% being in favor of legalizing online casinos in Illinois.

The second-largest age group in favor of legalizing iCasinos are those aged 35-44 (64.1%), the third-largest group stood to be those in the 18-34 age bracket with 63.7% of voters supporting legalization.

When it comes to the battle of the sexes, men were found to be significantly more open to the idea of legalization, with 70.5% of men in support. However, in comparison, just 58.3% of women were found to be in support of legalizing online casinos in the State.

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Furthermore, a variety of correspondents across different political views were also questioned; with findings revealing that Republican voters were slightly more in favor (65.4%) of legalization compared to Democrat voters (63.3%).

The post Online Casino Legalization in Illinois: Study Finds Two-Thirds of Voters in Favor appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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FBM® installs Jin Qián Link™ at Solaire Entertainment City

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FBM® is set to elevate the gaming experience at Solaire Entertainment City with the launch of the highly anticipated Jin Qián Link™ slot themes on the cutting-edge Auria casino cabinet. Being the leading e-bingo games provider in the Philippines, FBM® continues delivering innovation with four captivating slot titles inspired by Asian mystique, featuring stunning graphics and exciting gameplay, at one of the country’s premier gaming destinations.

Jin Qián Link comprises four distinct slot themes – Eternal Fènghuáng™, Golden Lóng™, Great Bái Hǔ™, and Lucky Guī™ – each transporting players to a mystical universe. Players will be attracted and engaged by captivating visuals and an immersive soundscape, while Jin Qián Link also offers a rewarding and strategic gaming experience.

Players can chase Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand jackpots within the Jin Qián Link bonus, accessed by incrementing the pagoda. The bonus mode culminates in a double prize when all positions on the five reels are covered. The attractive feature set of this product line includes Luck Has Arrived as a shared feature, anticipating a rewarding round. Triple Wild, available on Golden Lóng and Lucky Guī, and Wild Multiplier, running on Great Bái Hǔ and Eternal Fènghuáng, are the game features completing the features roll of this game series.

Pepe Costa, Country Manager of FBM Philippines, highlighted the relevance of this installation for the brand’s operation in the country. “FBM is committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences that resonate with players. Jin Qián Link is a testament to this commitment, combining compelling themes with innovative features and the quality and excellence that FBM is known for.”, stated the FBM representative.

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About the expectations around the game and FBM’s intents for the short-term future, Pepe Costa shared: “We are confident that Jin Qián Link will be a major success at Solaire Entertainment City. It’s also important to note that Jin Qian Link is just the first in a series of new slot games that FBM will be launching for the Philippine market”. With a legacy dating back to 2001, FBM has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality gaming solutions. The leadership obtained in the Philippines e-bingo segment placed FBM among the references in the national industry, boosting the operation expansion for new product categories. The Jin Qián Link launch at Solaire Entertainment City further solidifies FBM Philippines’ position in the market and provides Solaire Entertainment City patrons with a new and exciting gaming adventure.

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Kambi Group plc repurchase of shares during 30 April – 6 May 2025

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Kambi Group plc (“Kambi”) has during the period 30 April to 6 May 2025 (the “Buyback Period”) repurchased a total of 8,000 ordinary shares (ISIN: MT0000780107) as part of the share buyback programme, within the mandate approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 20 June 2024 (the “Programme”).

The objective of the Programme is to achieve added value for Kambi’s shareholders and to give the Board increased flexibility with Kambi’s capital structure by reducing the capital. The Programme is being carried out in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act, EU Market Abuse Regulation No 596/2014 (“MAR”) and other applicable rules.

During the Buyback Period, Kambi repurchased a total of 8,000 ordinary shares at a volume-weighted average price of 108.53 SEK. From the beginning of the Programme, which started on 6 November 2024, until and including 6 May 2025, Kambi has repurchased a total of 1,270,000 ordinary shares at a volume-weighted average price of 108.89 SEK per share.

During the Buyback Period, Kambi has repurchased shares as follows:

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Date Aggregated daily
volume (number of
ordinary shares)
Weighted average
share price
per day (SEK)
Total daily
transaction
value (SEK)
30 April 2025 2,000 103.97 207,939
2 May 2025 2,000 109.48 218,950
5 May 2025 2,000 110.70 221,401
6 May 2025 2,000 109.98 219,969

All acquisitions have been carried out on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm by Carnegie Investment Bank AB on behalf of Kambi. Following the acquisitions and as of 6 May 2025, Kambi’s holding of its own shares amounted to 1,270,000 and the total number of issued shares in Kambi is 29,903,619 ordinary shares. Under the Programme Kambi is authorised to repurchase a maximum of 3,127,830 ordinary shares, up to a maximum amount of €12.0 million.

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